Report 5: 2017

Accuracy of WA Health’s Activity Based Funding Data

Recommendations

WA Health should:

  1. By 30 June 2017

a. perform data quality assessments for each of its data collections annually in line with its Data Quality Policy

b. develop a data quality framework applicable to Commonwealth data submissions, specifying the procedures, controls and responsibilities for submission of data

c. ensure that data submissions are approved by data stewards

d. review processes for performing data validation checks to ensure that they are being applied consistently to all data submissions

e. ensure that the criteria used to extract data from the data warehouse is independently reviewed for consistency with the Commonwealth’s data specifications

f. regularly review administrator access and audit logs for the data warehouse

g. improve communication and coordination between the Data Collection Directorate and contract managers. Where possible, data provided by third parties should be checked for consistency with billing information or verified by an independent source

h. continue to support the accuracy of clinical coding throughout the health services through coding training and education processes and by performing regular reviews

I. review processes for filing and storing patient records at Royal Perth Hospital to ensure that patient information is being retained in accordance with the WA Health record keeping plan

j. regularly update public patient information provided by private hospitals for changes or corrections to data.

2.    By 31 December 2017

a. consider replacing the Interim Collection of Activity Data (ICAD) database with a more robust application with greater information security controls

b. review processes by which mental health NOCC information is collected and recorded. In particular, the Department of Health should improve the information linkage process between the different patient and mental health databases.

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